The fourth season of the SA20 has drawn to a close, delivering high-quality cricket, unforgettable performances, and a dominant champions once again. Sunrisers Eastern Cape confirmed their status as the most successful franchise in the competition’s short history by clinching their third SA20 title, defeating Pretoria Capitals in a compelling final.
While trophies define champions, individual brilliance shaped the tournament from start to finish. From explosive batting displays to disciplined and destructive bowling spells, the 2026 SA20 produced a wealth of standout performances. A closer look at the numbers reveals who truly made their mark.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape Set the Benchmark
Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s success was built on balance. They combined reliable batting with incisive bowling, peaking at the right time to overpower Pretoria Capitals in the final. Their third title in four seasons underlines their consistency and ability to deliver under pressure.
The final itself reflected the broader theme of the tournament: individual excellence meeting collective strength. While Pretoria’s Dewald Brevis produced a stunning century, Sunrisers’ depth ultimately proved decisive.
Leading Run-Scorers: Class and Consistency
At the top of the run-scoring charts was experienced South African opener Quinton de Kock, whose season was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Representing Sunrisers Eastern Cape, de Kock accumulated 390 runs, providing his team with reliable starts and anchoring several crucial innings.
Close behind him was Dewald Brevis of Pretoria Capitals with 370 runs. Brevis captured attention throughout the tournament with his fearless approach, clean striking, and ability to dominate bowling attacks. His memorable century in the final was one of the standout knocks of the season, even in defeat.
Third on the list was Ryan Rickelton from MI Cape Town, who scored 337 runs. Rickelton’s campaign was built on timing and placement rather than brute force, and he often played the stabilising role at the top of the order.
Pretoria Capitals featured again with Sherfane Rutherford, whose 334 runs came at an exceptional average. Rutherford proved to be one of the most efficient batters of the competition, consistently delivering impactful innings under pressure.
Completing the top five was Aiden Markram of Durban’s Super Giants. With 309 runs, Markram once again demonstrated his value as a technically sound batter capable of adapting to match situations.
Beyond total runs, several other batting metrics told their own stories. Rutherford finished with the highest average of the tournament (66.80), highlighting his consistency and ability to stay unbeaten. Joburg Super Kings’ Leus du Plooy registered the highest strike rate (175.51), showcasing pure explosiveness. Meanwhile, Brevis led the six-hitting charts with 30 maximums, underlining his power-hitting credentials.
Wicket-Takers: Precision, Pace and Pressure
While batters entertained, bowlers often dictated results. Leading the wicket charts was Ottneil Baartman of Paarl Royals, who claimed 20 wickets over the course of the tournament. Baartman’s success came through accuracy, movement, and relentless pressure, making him a constant threat in both the powerplay and death overs.
Second on the list was Anrich Nortje, whose raw pace proved devastating for Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Nortje picked up 18 wickets, frequently breaking partnerships and unsettling batters with his speed and bounce.
In third place was all-rounder Sikandar Raza of Paarl Royals, who collected 15 wickets. Raza’s value went beyond numbers, as his ability to deliver key breakthroughs made him indispensable.
Sharing fourth place with 13 wickets each were Marco Jansen (Sunrisers Eastern Cape), Nqobani Mokoena (Paarl Royals), and Corbin Bosch (MI Cape Town). Each of them played vital roles for their respective sides, contributing at crucial moments.
Advanced bowling statistics further highlighted individual excellence. Paarl Royals’ Hardus Viljoen recorded the best bowling average (11.66) among bowlers who delivered at least 10 overs. Joburg Super Kings’ Dan Worrall finished with the best economy rate (5.75), underlining his control and discipline. Baartman also topped the strike-rate rankings (8.90), reinforcing his status as the tournament’s most effective wicket-taker.
A Tournament Defined by Depth
One of the most impressive aspects of the SA20’s fourth edition was the depth of talent across teams. Performances were not limited to a handful of stars; instead, contributions came from seasoned internationals and emerging players alike.
South African domestic talent continued to flourish alongside overseas stars, strengthening the competition’s identity and appeal. The balance between experience and youth ensured competitive matches throughout the group stage and playoffs.
Sunrisers’ Legacy Grows
With three titles in four seasons, Sunrisers Eastern Cape have set a benchmark for excellence in the SA20. Their ability to rebuild, adapt, and maintain high standards makes them the team to beat going forward.
As the league continues to grow, the performances from this season will be remembered not only for the records broken, but for the quality of cricket displayed across all departments.
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